Recently, Magdalen received commendations in both Craftsmanship and Repair & Restoration (Ecclesiastical) categories for the restoration of the West Door of the chapel.
Led by local stone carver Alex Wenham and Assistant Surveyor Freya Morris, the project focused on carefully restoring deteriorated stonework while preserving the Chapel’s historical integrity.
The western face of Magdalen College Chapel is a blend of architectural styles. While the elevation follows a perpendicular style, the doorway features a more different approach, with moulded jambs, a four-centred arch, and ornate details like coats of arms and angel terminals. The five statuettes above the door, including St. John the Baptist, Mary Magdalen, and founder William Waynflete, link to the historical and religious significance of the Chapel and Magdalen College itself.
The Chapel’s foundation stone was laid in 1474, and over time, the doorway has undergone several repairs and restorations to preserve its intricate design. These latest pieces of restoration have been completed by Alex Wenham after extensive studies of the original carvings, some of which were heavily damaged or deteriorated. Using these detailed analyses, he meticulously carved new pieces to match the historic design, ensuring the integrity of the Chapel’s architectural masterpiece.
The Judges of the Natural Stone Awards 2024 praised the seamless integration of new stone elements with the original, saying, “The conservation work will extend the life of the original stone considerably. The new elements were carefully moulded to ensure sensitive fit, before being carved in stone and joined to the existing. The new and old will weather down together, so that the essence of the original design and execution will be available for many generations to admire and enjoy.”